Horny Goat Weed

As with all supplements, horny goat weed is not regulated in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that while manufacturers of horny goat weed supplements have to prove that their products are safe before selling them, claims on the packaging don't have to go through the FDA for approval. This is different from prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs -- any claims about their benefits have to be supported by conclusive studies.

In the few studies that have been conducted on horny goat weed, compounds in the supplement have been shown to have a variety of effects on the body. First, horny goat weed contains several flavonoids, or pigments, which may affect different organs and systems. Some of these flavonoids may affect bone density and immune system. In test-tube experiments, other flavonoids found in the plant inhibit estrogen. This may improve sex drive and affect kidney function. Horny goat weed extracts might also be able to inhibit the production of new blood vessels, which might help doctors fight the spread of malignant tumors. Several different preparations of the plant also appear to have anti-inflammatory properties [source: Blue Shield of California].

In terms of sexual health, horny goat weed may also increase the size of capillaries and other blood vessels as well as lower blood pressure. In addition to inhibiting estrogen, the plant may stimulate the production of testosterone, which in turn can affect the power of an erection and ejaculation [source: Reedy].

You might already be guessing some of the benefits of horny goat weed, but keep reading to discover them all -- and how well any of them work.

This Little Pill Wants to Go to Market

A University of Milan research team believes it has a good idea of how to turn a horny goat weed compound into a drug that works better than Viagra. However, the necessary trials and approvals the team will have to complete might take as long as 10 years [source: Brahic].